ULI Cell Selection Prioritization for EN-DC Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in prioritizing cells that support EN-DC (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access - New Radio dual connectivity) over similar cells that do not, leading to suboptimal network performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device, such as user equipment (UE), is configured to perform cell selection and re-selection methods based on reference signal received power (RSRP) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurements, prioritizing cells that support EN-DC by identifying cells with upper layer indication (ULI) information in System Information Blocks (SIB2) broadcasts, which indicate support for EN-DC, and selecting cells with NR neighbors for camping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wireless device uses traditional cell selection methods based only on RSRP and SNR measurements, then the cell selection process is simple and fast, but the network performance and data throughput are suboptimal because EN-DC supporting cells are not prioritized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by checking for the presence of ULI information in SIB2 broadcasts before finalizing cell selection. The wireless device performs this indication check in advance during the cell selection process, allowing it to prioritize EN-DC supporting cells before committing to camping, thus improving network performance without significantly increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cell selection parameter by introducing a new criterion: the presence of ULI (upper layer indication) in SIB2 broadcasts. This parameter change allows the device to differentiate between EN-DC supporting and non-supporting cells, prioritizing those with the indication while maintaining the existing RSRP and SNR measurement framework
2Productivity
If the wireless device prioritizes cells with EN-DC support by checking ULI indications, then data throughput and connectivity are improved, but the cell selection process becomes more complex requiring additional information processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by checking only for the presence of ULI information in SIB2 rather than performing comprehensive analysis of all cell parameters. This partial check is sufficient to identify EN-DC supporting cells and prioritize them, achieving improved data throughput without requiring excessive processing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new selection parameter: the presence of ULI indication in SIB2 broadcasts. This parameter change enables the device to prioritize EN-DC cells for better throughput while maintaining compatibility with existing cell selection mechanisms, balancing productivity improvement with acceptable complexity
3Loss of time
If the wireless device camps on cells without EN-DC support, then the cell selection process is straightforward, but the time spent on LTE-only networks reduces overall efficiency and user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by checking ULI indications during the cell selection process before final camping decisions are made. This advance check prevents the device from camping on LTE-only cells when EN-DC supporting cells are available, reducing time spent on less efficient networks while maintaining straightforward operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cell evaluation parameter by incorporating ULI presence as a priority criterion. This parameter change enables the device to automatically prefer EN-DC cells, reducing time on LTE-only networks and improving overall efficiency without significantly complicating the cell selection process
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for a user equipment device (UE) to prioritize cells that support EN-DC over similar cells not supporting EN-DC. The UE may be configured to perform one or more measurement scans associated with cell selection and/or cell re-selection and may determine whether at least two LTE cells meet a selection criteria based on RSRP and/or SNR measurements. The UE may be configured to, in response to determining that at least two LTE cells meet the selection criteria, prioritize a first LTE cell of the at least two LTE cells over a second LTE cell of the at least two LTE cells based, at least in part, on support EN-DC. The first LTE cell may indicate support of EN-DC, e.g., via a ULI IE included in a SIB2 broadcast by the first LTE cell. The UE may be configured to select the first LTE cell for camping.